Latest news with #PretoriaMagistrate'sCourt
The Citizen
29 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Man gets life sentence for raping minor with down syndrome
Masoka pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied the rape allegations. A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping an 11-year-old girl with Down syndrome in Pretoria. The Pretoria Magistrate's Court handed down the sentence on Wednesday to Thabo Xolani Masoka. The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the ruling as a victory for vulnerable children with special needs who are often targeted due to their dependence and trust. Victim found in convict's home The incident occurred on 18 September 2022, when the young victim was with her mother at the mother's salon on their residential premises. According to Lumka Mahanjana, NPA Regional spokesperson for the Gauteng Division in Pretoria, the mother began locking up at approximately 7:45pm. 'The victim started walking home, but minutes later, the mother arrived at their flat and realised the child was missing,' Mahanjana said. The mother launched a search with help from other residents. A witness reported seeing the victim walking with Masoka toward his flat. When the mother and residents confronted Masoka at his apartment, they found the child sitting inside. ALSO READ: Likely to destroy evidence: Accused's bail bid rejected in Ditebogo Phalane murder case 'When questioned, he said he does not know why she was there,' Mahanjana stated. Police were called immediately and arrested Masoka on the scene that same day. The state successfully opposed his bail application, keeping him in custody throughout the legal proceedings. Convicted rapist pleads not guilty to child rape Masoka pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied the rape allegations. 'In court, Masoka pleaded not guilty, denying the rape and claiming the minor was his girlfriend, they had consensual sex and thought the victim was 17 years old,' said Mahanjana. ALSO READ: Limpopo groom sentenced to life for raping 9-year-old girl on his wedding day However, Prosecutor Andries Ntjana presented compelling medical evidence that demolished this defence. Evidence from a medical doctor and a psychiatrist proved the child lacked the mental capacity to consent to sexual activity. Sentencing During the sentencing phase, Masoka requested leniency from the court. He cited his responsibility for supporting three children and a wife as grounds for a reduced sentence. Ntjana opposed any reduction in sentencing. The prosecutor argued that Masoka showed no remorse. 'Furthermore, Ntjana said Masoka lacked remorse; he continued to maintain his innocence even after conviction,' according to Mahanjana. 'Furthermore, Ntjana said Masoka betrayed the mother's trust since he was a neighbour meant to protect the child,' according to Mahanjana. Magistrate Lynn Pillay rejected the defence's plea for leniency. She found no substantial or compelling circumstances that would justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence. The court deemed life imprisonment appropriate for the crime. NPA response The NPA praised the court's decision as a strong message against crimes targeting vulnerable individuals. 'The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Pretoria Magistrate's Court for the heinous rape of an 11-year-old girl with Down Syndrome,' Mahanjana said. She emphasised that the ruling demonstrates the NPA's commitment to protecting society's most vulnerable members. Mahanjana said the case particularly highlights the need to protect children with special needs who face increased risk due to their dependence on others. 'The court's decision to impose the prescribed minimum sentence, despite the accused's pleas for leniency, underscores our resolute stance that no one is above the law, especially when it comes to gender-based violence (GBV) against defenceless victims,' Mahanjana said. READ NEXT: Khayelitsha court hears disturbing details of seven-year-old's rape and murder
The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Constable, prosecutor on bail for R1. 6m extortion allegation
A police constable and a suspended prosecutor have been granted bail after being accused of extorting R1.6 million from a businessman detained in Pretoria. The Pretoria Magistrate's Court set bail at R5 000 each for Advocate Avinash Ramapararat, 45, and Constable Abdul Haig Shaik, 37, during their bail hearing on Wednesday. Both face charges of extortion. Advocate Ramapararat was previously stationed at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit but is currently suspended. Constable Shaik is assigned to Wierdabrug Police Station. The two are alleged to have demanded a large sum of money from a businessman in exchange for his release from custody. The incident dates back to February 2024, when Shaik contacted the businessman regarding a theft and fraud case connected to Agynt Commodities. The case arose from a coal transaction dispute between the companies in 2023. Shaik allegedly instructed the businessman to come to the Wierdabrug Police Station, where he was immediately detained and placed in a holding cell. While the businessman was in custody, both accused allegedly demanded R1.6 million to secure his release. The complainant reportedly paid the amount and was subsequently released. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana explained that months after the payment, the businessman sought updates on the case, only to be informed that the case number provided to him was unrelated to his matter. Realising something was wrong, the businessman reported the alleged extortion to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks. This prompted an investigation that resulted in the arrest of Ramapararat and Shaik on 25 July 2025. The State did not oppose bail during the hearing, citing the accused's cooperation with the investigation, verified addresses, and low flight risk. Both accused are also facing separate charges related to extortion and corruption in a different case at the Pretoria North Magistrate's Court. The Pretoria Magistrate's Court has postponed the extortion case to 24 October 2025, awaiting a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Meanwhile, the separate case involving the pair will return to court on 27 October 2025 for disclosure. The National Prosecuting Authority reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption, especially within its own ranks. 'Advocate Ramapararat was placed on suspension pending the outcome of internal disciplinary procedures,' Mahanjana said. This case has drawn public attention due to the involvement of law enforcement officers in serious criminal conduct. It highlights ongoing concerns about corruption within institutions meant to uphold the law. The outcome of these proceedings will be closely watched as South Africa continues to address issues of integrity and accountability in its justice system.
IOL News
14 hours ago
- IOL News
Constable, prosecutor on bail for R1. 6m extortion allegation
While the businessman was in custody, both accused allegedly demanded R1.6 million to secure his release. A police constable and a suspended prosecutor have been granted bail after being accused of extorting R1.6 million from a businessman detained in Pretoria. The Pretoria Magistrate's Court set bail at R5 000 each for Advocate Avinash Ramapararat, 45, and Constable Abdul Haig Shaik, 37, during their bail hearing on Wednesday. Both face charges of extortion. Advocate Ramapararat was previously stationed at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit but is currently suspended. Constable Shaik is assigned to Wierdabrug Police Station. The two are alleged to have demanded a large sum of money from a businessman in exchange for his release from custody. The incident dates back to February 2024, when Shaik contacted the businessman regarding a theft and fraud case connected to Agynt Commodities. The case arose from a coal transaction dispute between the companies in 2023. Shaik allegedly instructed the businessman to come to the Wierdabrug Police Station, where he was immediately detained and placed in a holding cell. While the businessman was in custody, both accused allegedly demanded R1.6 million to secure his release. The complainant reportedly paid the amount and was subsequently released. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana explained that months after the payment, the businessman sought updates on the case, only to be informed that the case number provided to him was unrelated to his matter. Realising something was wrong, the businessman reported the alleged extortion to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks. This prompted an investigation that resulted in the arrest of Ramapararat and Shaik on 25 July 2025. The State did not oppose bail during the hearing, citing the accused's cooperation with the investigation, verified addresses, and low flight risk. Both accused are also facing separate charges related to extortion and corruption in a different case at the Pretoria North Magistrate's Court. The Pretoria Magistrate's Court has postponed the extortion case to 24 October 2025, awaiting a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Meanwhile, the separate case involving the pair will return to court on 27 October 2025 for disclosure. The National Prosecuting Authority reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption, especially within its own ranks. 'Advocate Ramapararat was placed on suspension pending the outcome of internal disciplinary procedures,' Mahanjana said. This case has drawn public attention due to the involvement of law enforcement officers in serious criminal conduct. It highlights ongoing concerns about corruption within institutions meant to uphold the law. The outcome of these proceedings will be closely watched as South Africa continues to address issues of integrity and accountability in its justice system.
The Citizen
18 hours ago
- The Citizen
Cop and prosecutor get bail in R1.6 million extortion case
The Pretoria court granted bail to a prosecutor and police officer accused of extorting R1.6 million from a businessman. A police constable and suspended prosecutor are out on bail after allegedly extorting R1.6 million from a detained businessman in exchange for his release. The Pretoria Magistrate's Court granted bail of R5 000 each to Advocate Avinash Ramapararat (45) and Constable Abdul Haig Shaik (37) on Wednesday on charges of extortion. Ramapararat is a suspended prosecutor who was based at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit (SCCU). Shaik is a police officer stationed at Wierdabrug Police Station. Extorting R1.6 million from detained businessman Shaik is accused of contacting a businessman in February 2024 and asking him to come to the Wierdabrug Police Station in relation to a theft and fraud case that Agynt Commodities had opened. The case related to a coal transaction between the two companies in 2023. ALSO READ: Crime Intelligence CFO, co-accused granted bail in burglary cover-up Shaik detained the businessman upon arrival and put him in a holding cell. 'While in custody, the two accused allegedly demanded a payment of R1.6 million in exchange for the businessman's release,' National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said. 'The complainant paid the money and was later released.' Incident reported to Hawks Mahanjana said that after following up on the case at the police station many months later, the complainant was told that the case number he had been issued had nothing to do with his issue. The businessman then reported the incident to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), which led to the arrest of both accused on 25 July 2025. ALSO READ: Woman who allegedly stole more than R1.1m to spend New Year's Day in jail The state did not object to bail when the accused applied for it because they had cooperated with the investigation, were not considered flight risks, and had verified their residential addresses. In addition to the current matter, the pair also faces separate charges of extortion and corruption in a case before the Pretoria North Magistrate's Court. Cases postponed to October The Pretoria Magistrate's Court postponed the matter to 24 October 2025 for the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision, while the separate matter will return to court on 27 October 2025 for disclosure. 'The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating corruption, including within its ranks. Advocate Ramapararat was placed on suspension pending finalisation of internal disciplinary processes,' Mahanjana said.
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- The Citizen
Two counterfeit syndicate members await bail hearing as case postponed
Three men allegedly involved in the printing and distribution of counterfeit South African rand and US dollar notes appeared in court recently. Two of them, Maxwell Basong (39) of Pretoria North and Tieze Zemeniouh (38) from Sunnyside, had their cases postponed to July 22/ Philliph Mumbai (42), also from Pretoria North, was granted R3 000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on July 10. Mumbai is facing charges of possession of counterfeit goods and corruption, while the other two accused face charges of possession of counterfeit goods and being in the country illegally. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), it is alleged that the three operated a counterfeiting syndicate. This syndicate is said to be involved in the printing and distribution of counterfeit South African rand and US dollar notes. 'The counterfeit money was allegedly sold and used to purchase goods. On the afternoon of July 1, Philliph Mumbai exited an e-hailing service vehicle in Elardus Park, and was walking toward a nearby guesthouse when he was stopped by patrolling police officers,' said NPA regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana. Mahanjana said they questioned him about a printing machine he was carrying and asked where he was headed. 'When he could not answer, the police requested that he take them to the guesthouse. Upon arrival, they discovered Basong and Zemeniouh, operating a similar printing machine and printing counterfeit money. All three were arrested on the scene,' she explained. She said that during the arrest, Mumbai allegedly attempted to bribe the officers with R2 000 in exchange for their release. Mahanjana said during the bail proceedings, the state had decided not to oppose Mumbai's release, as he is legally in the country, has a confirmed residential address, and owns property. 'The case has been postponed to July 22, for the Schedule 1 bail applications of Basong and Zemeniouh, which the state is opposing.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
